Favorite Finds - U.S.

APRIL HAS TWO WINNERS!!!

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WINNER #1
Vaughan Garrett’s Favorite Find of the Month is Thoren P. from Maine!

Success Story: “It was a beautiful day on the historic oceanside in Maine, but what I unearthed may have even taken the cake on the prettiest thing I laid my eyes on! My friends and I ventured down to an old permission we rounded up last fall. We’ve found numerous coins and buttons there, so decided it’d be a good chance to break into 2022.

“Early that morning we found a few cool finds, but then my AT Max and I took the lead and ended up stumbling onto a sweet 88-90 signal. I sunk my shovel into the soil and cut a nice deep plug. To my surprise, the pinpointer didn’t quite have it in range yet, so I cut another few inches down, and out popped this beautiful 62 regiment British belt plate! Awesome way to start off the year and a memory I will cherish forever!”

Thoren P. WINS an ACE Apex metal detector. CONGRATULATIOINS!!!
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WINNER #2
Congratulations to our second U.S. winner Nicole B. for Vaughan’s favorite find of the month.

Success Story: “I was detecting in my Ohio farm field and came across a New York Militia button from the early 1800s (approx. 1800- 1830). After some research, I discovered that a band of troops had moved through my area during the War of 1812 headed for Detroit, MI. Such a cool piece of history.”

Check out Nicole’s channel: Ohio Metal Maven - YouTube

Nicole B. WINS an ACE Apex metal detector!!!
Next month Vaughan will give away an ACE Apex metal detector. You could be the next winner! Submit your story.

MARCH 2022 WINNER!!!

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WINNER #1
My U.S. Favorite Find for March 2022 is the set of WWI Military Buttons, discovered by Shannon C. from Indiana with her AT Max.

While detecting using my AT Max on a local farm permission I decided to check out a new area. After about an hour or so I uncovered my very first WWI military button! Soon after this one, I uncovered a second one... then a third. In the end I found 10 of these buttons! Eight of them still have the backs and shanks attached, while two have only the fronts left. I could not believe what I had uncovered. I shared my find with a good friend who went on to investigate their origin some more, and after some internet investigation she found the soldier we believe the buttons belonged to. I plan to keep this private out of respect for the farming family but do plan to share my information with them as it was one of their family members.

Shannon C. WINS an ACE Apex metal detector. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Next month Vaughan will give away an ACE Apex metal detector. You could be the next winner! Submit your story and photos.

FEBRUARY 2022 WINNER!!!

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WINNER #1
My U.S. Favorite Find for February 2022 is the Decorative Cross, discovered by John P. from Florida with his Apex.

John’s success story: January 6, 2022. I decided to enjoy the day detecting the beach in Punta Gorda Florida. About 20 minutes into the hunt I found this beautiful cross.

The cross has no markings on it and it’s heavy, very pretty, and I found it about 6” deep.

John P. WINS an ACE Apex Metal Detector. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Next month Vaughan will give away an ACE Apex Metal Detector! You could be the next winner!

JANUARY 2022 WINNER!!!

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WINNER #1
My United States Favorite Find for January 2022 is the C.S.A. Confederate States of America Sword Belt Buckle, discovered by Eric F. from Georgia with his AT Max.

Eric’s success story: Gained a permission to metal detect a pre-civil war homesite. On a beautiful Sunday I was finding a few targets but no civil war items. While I was in the front yard on the northside of the house I got a mid 80 signal. Proceeded to dig a deep plug, checked the hole with the Garrett Pro-Pointer and no target found. Checked the plug and got a signal, opened the plug with my 2 hands and out dropped the buckle face down in the hole. I saw the back side with the 3-prongs and my heart skipped and quickly picked up the buckle and put it in my left shirt pocket. My heart and mind was racing with excitement but I held my excitement until I got back to truck. Once at my truck I was able to see the C.S.A. I felt so humbled and honored to find this relic.

Eric F. WINS an ACE Apex Metal Detector. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Next month Vaughan will give away an ACE Apex Metal Detector. You could be the next winner! Submit our photos and story

DECEMBER 2021 WINNER!!!

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WINNER #1
My U.S. Favorite Find for December 2021 is the 22k Gold Chain, discovered by Gary R. from California with his Apex.

Gary’s success story: The karma gods were shining on me this beach hunting evening. I hit a local favorite on the way home from work. With my tried and true Garrett Apex I mostly stuck to the dry sands, as the tides were not in the wet sands favor. I was making my way back to where I was parked after two hours of detecting. A woman and her daughter approached me. I could instantly tell they were going to ask me to find something with that shy, disgruntled look on their faces. So I said “keys, cellphone or wedding ring?” They laughed and said keys. They then showed me where they were sitting and the direction they walked to a restaurant near the beach. I worked the area for about an hour, even at times digging hairpin sounds knowing that modern keys can sound the same. The sun was beginning to set, it was getting cold and I was all about ready to give up. I thought maybe they lost them in the restaurant. Then I recalled the daughter saying they walked down to feed the seagulls near the water. I ran down to the wet sand and got to work.

I detected a few pennies and what I thought was a fake chain. I got down to knee deep water when I heard a faint sound. The key was about 4 inches down into the submerged sand. I returned the key to a very happy family that were 3 hours away from home. I returned home myself and looked closely at my finds. In the clarity of light I realized the chain I had found was not fake at all. It was actually stamped 916, which is 22k! The ability of the Apex to hit a high karat gold chain in black sand ocean water is very impressive.

Gary R. WINS an ACE Apex Metal Detector. Congratulations!!!
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WINNER #2
My second U.S. Favorite Find for December 2021 is both of the Regiment of Riflemen Buttons, discovered by Chip K. from Florida with his AT Pro.

Chip’s success story: In 1808, Congress approved the formation of a specialized infantry unit that became known as THE REGIMENT OF RIFLEMEN. They were issued rifles with greater distance and accuracy. They were involved in a number of engagements but their last fight was on 01/13/1815 during the War of 1812. The British landed a force of 1500 Royal Marines to attack Fort Peter near St Marys, Georgia. The defending officer decided his force of 160 men could not resist and withdrew his force. The British destroyed the fort and headed towards St Marys. However the Americans engaged them in a running battle, suffering light losses while inflicting heavier losses on their foes. The unit was disbanded in 1824.

The area where the fort stood is now part of a huge gated community. When they were clearing the land, thousands of relics were found. A couple of years ago I learned about the history and sought permission to search the area. I was refused because dirt had been hauled in, houses built and sold.

I began playing poker with a group who lived in the complex and I learned there was a waterfront “community park” several miles from where the fighting occurred. I visited the spot and learned the park consisted of a picnic table and a spot to launch kayaks. There were about 10 acres but only 3 acres were cleared. The rest consisted of tall marsh grasses, trees, blackberry vines and thorny brambles along with piles of deadfall. There was also discarded beer cans, shotgun shells and plenty of trash.

I had a theory that even though the park was a distance away from the battlefield, it was possible the defenders visited the area. I again asked for permission to search but also promised to actively clean out the metallic trash. I was given a limited permission as long as nobody complained. I used my ALL TERRAIN PROS (I have 3) all have a 5x8 coil. The advantages of the smaller coils were quite evident as I was able to get close to the ground, the trees and the other obstacles.

And my “park" idea proved to be correct. I found 10 period buttons, including TWO REGIMENT OF RIFLEMEN buttons, a coat button and a smaller cuff button. And since they were found at opposite areas of the park they were not likely from the same uniform. I have been advised by button collectors that because the regiment was only in existence for 16 years and was never at full strength, these buttons are considered to be rare and highly prized. I don’t know about that, but I certainly prize these two.

Chip K. WINS an ACE Apex metal detector. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Next month Vaughan will give away an ACE Apex metal detector! You could be the next winner! Submit your story and photos

NOVEMBER 2021 has two WINNERS!!!

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WINNER #1
My U.S. Favorite Find for November 2021 is the Fisher Body Service Charms 10k, discovered by Tim H. from Michigan with his AT Pro.

Tim’s success story: On November 7, the permission I was detecting was a stone built house, built by the grandfather of the lady living there. I’ve detected her yard 3-4 times finding mostly wheat cents and a lone lead soldier as the only real keepers. I had an hour to spare so I stopped by and continued swinging.

About the time I’d normally put on a headlamp a better tone came thru the Z-Lynk. A quick flip of the plug and a ball of rusted junk appeared. That didn’t make sense. Got out my light and a brush and found I had some charms on a rusted ID bracelet. A little more cleaning and the charms were getting sparkly. The ID bracelet was all rusted but attached were 3 Fisher Body carriage charms for 10, 15, and 20 years service. They are 10k and are set with rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. The lady had no family she could link to Fisher Body or General Motors so with a little persuasion and my obvious excitement she was fine with allowing me to keep and add to my collection.

Tim H. WINS an ACE Apex Metal Detector. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
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WINNER #2
My second U.S. Favorite Find for November 2021 is the 1859 Federal Officers Spur, discovered by Christopher N. from Maryland with his AT Max.

Christopher’s success story: Well as in life never give up. I always wanted to find a spur, whether it be civilian or military. Me and a good friend of mine had stumbled upon a civil war camp site on a property we’ve been detecting for months now and of course signals started slowing down but I knew there was more to be found. So I slowed my swing down and of course the best machine I've ever used the garrett AT Max sniffed it out. The excitement I felt was overwhelming. It’s honestly the best thing I've ever found! Thank you Garrett.

Christopher N. WINS an ACE Apex Metal Detector. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Next month Vaughan will give away an ACE Apex! You could be the next winner! Submit your story and photos

OCTOBER 2021 WINNER!!!

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WINNER #1
My United States Favorite Find for October 2021 is the Gold Plated Russian Orthodox Cross, found by Bill W. from Washington with his Ace 300.

Bill’s success story: I’ve been metal detecting since early 2021. Covid-19 has made many of us feel isolated with the walls closing in. But just getting outside in the fresh air and seeing other people enjoying the outdoors has really helped. I’ve dug up over a thousand individual items since January but one of my favorites is this gold plated Russian Orthodox cross. The lettering Спаси means save, as well as Сохрани means save. Together this combination of words can mean bless and save (me). Every little child the the Orthodox religion receives such cross right after he or she is baptized with the same hope to be protected and saved by God. Ironically, this cross was dug up in a tiny city park only 200 feet from my back door!

Bill W. WINS an ACE Apex Metal Detector. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Next month Vaughan will give away an ACE Apex Metal Detector. You could be the next winner. Submit your story with photos!

SEPTEMBER 2021 WINNERS!!!

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WINNER #1
My United States Favorite Find for September 2021 is the WWII Soldier’s I.D. Plate, found by Jeffrey L. from Wisconsin with his AT Max.

Jeffrey’s success story: It’s not just a name on a plate, it’s a wonderful story. On Tuesday September 20th I was detecting at a road tear-out just down the road from me. They had just removed a sidewalk and it was pitch black out, 11pm. I found a flat piece of metal, unable to see what it was in the dark. I brought it home and to my surprise it was a 1" by 5" plate that was impressed with the name of a soldier from World War II!! Pvt. Theodore Wietrzykowski. It had his unit, rank, and battalion, and 1945 on it.

I knew I had to at least try to find out more about him and get this to his family. I reached out on a local Facebook city group and with some sleuths on there I was able to find and reach out to his nephew, Kenny. Turns out Theodore had died in 1999 and never married or had kids. His nephew and his sister who is 96 now are his only living close relatives. Kenny was very excited to get the plate and we planned to meet up. He had moved 2 hours away but luck would have it, he was gonna be in town that Wednesday to clean up Teddy’s grave and other family graves. We met at the bar and he bought me some drinks and we talked about Teddy, his time in the war, and what he did afterwards. We talked for 3 hours and it was wonderful, about growing up in my city during that time period, and hopefully showing it to his mother, Teddy’s sister. She would love to see it.

Kenny has a cabinet with Teddy’s uniform and medals, and he put the plate on front of that cabinet. In the end he gave me permission to freely search an 80 acre field he owns in the area. I updated the Facebook group and everyone loved it. To me it was just a name, just a plate. To his nephew and sister, it was a brother, uncle, a friend. I’m so very happy I was able to do this!!! It’s what’s detecting is about.

Inscription on the plate:
Private Theodore Wietrzykowski
Company B 370 Com Engineer Battalion
APO 799 C/O PM New York
13 April 45

Jeffrey L. WINS an ACE Apex Metal Detector! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
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WINNER #2
My second United States Favorite Find for September 2021 is the 1945 Iwo Jima Marine Corp ring, found by Janis P. from Oregon with her AT Pro.

Janis’s success story: We were hunting in one of our local favorite areas just after Christmas, I was using one of my Garrett AT Pro detectors with the stock coil when I got a hit about 8” deep, I dug down and found a 1945 Iwo Jima ring, we cleaned it up and researched Iwo Jima and found that there was thousands of Marines that landed on Iwo Jima so finding the owner would be near impossible. We contacted our local VA museum and show them the ring, they said that they would love to have it for their display so I donated it to them. They sent me a very nice thank you letter.

Sincerely, Janis

Janis P. WINS an ACE Apex Metal Detector! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Next month Vaughan will give away an ACE Apex Metal Detector! You could be the next winner. Submit your story!

AUGUST 2021 WINNER!!!

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WINNER #1
My United States Favorite Find for August 2021 is the Love Story Diamond Wedding Set, found by Shawn J. from Nevada, with his Apex.

Shawn’s Success Story: I was meeting family for breakfast on my birthday and decided to arrive early so I could hunt a park next to the restaurant. I had never hunted this place before as it’s a newer park and I figured finds would be sparse. After 2 hours of digging the usual stuff, I was working on the last signal before leaving (family had arrived). At first glimpse, I thought it was just another pull ring. After further examination of the hole though, I realized it was a ring... but not just any ring. Pulling it out, I knew I had a monster in my hands! The wedding and engagement rings were melded together and covered in diamonds. It was stamped 14k with the name “Love Story”. I found the set online, its approx retail value was $3,300. Though I’d need to get it appraised to be certain, either way... some birthday luck was with me this year!

Shawn J. WINS an ACE Apex Metal Detector. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Next month Vaughan will give away an ACE Apex Metal Detector! You could be the next winner. Submit your store.

JULY 2021 HAS TWO WINNERS!!!

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WINNER #1
My United States Favorite Find for July 2021 is the Extremely Rare Connecticut Copper Miller 6.4-K, discovered by Wil C. from New York with his Ace 400.

Wil’s success story: It was a nice spring day and a good one for metal detecting. I took out my Ace 400 and went to see what I could find. Now I have never been a believer in the idea that trees are treasure troves, but I really had never searched around them. I poked around the base of an old tree and right by the roots I got a solid hit. About 8" down I pulled out this beauty of a copper coin. As if the condition wasn't enough, this variety is the Miller 6.4-K, which, according to PCGS, there are about 20 known to exist and there is a pretty good chance this is the only one that has ever been found metal detecting. So now every time I tell someone that there are only 20 known of my coin, their eyes bug out and they ask, "what metal detector did you find it with?", I reply "with my trusty Garrett."

Wil C. WINS an ACE Apex metal detector. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
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WINNER #2
My second United States Favorite Find for July 2021 is the pair of George Washington Inaugural Buttons, discovered by Jacob S. from Maine with his AT Max.

Jacob’s success story: It was July 27th and it was a very humid day here on the coast of Maine. I had just received a new permission to a large 100 acre property that I assumed had at least 1 colonial area cellar hole. Since it was so humid, I figured I would do a “test dig” for a short time just to get an idea on what the permission had to offer.. The property was mostly tall hay, and thick stubby blueberry bushes that make it tough to detect, but with my AT Max, I knew I could manage a few signals.

I walked around to where I suspected the first cellar hole was and found it fairly easily. I turned on my trusty AT Max and started to detect. It was quiet at first, but I then swung over a loud 60 signal. I cut the plug and used my Garrett pin pointer to find the target. It was a big dandy button, and as every detectorist that hunts for colonial relics does, I immediately looked to see if it had a design. The button did, and after a quick brushing, to my amazement it was a George Washington Inaugural button. I had found the holy grail of colonial buttons in my first plug at this new permission!

After doing some celebrating and calling a friend and my dad to tell them what I had found, I knew I was going to spend a few more minutes detecting in that immediate area that evening. I walked about 20 to 30 feet and my very next target I got a crisp 80-81 signal and thought for sure I was going to pull out a colonial copper coin. When I flipped this next plug, another big button was staring back at me. I was almost scared to look at it, no way it could be another GW... I turned it over and immediately saw another “GW” in the middle of the button. I was in shock! I couldn’t believe I had just found 2 GW buttons in back to back plugs! What are the chances?! I never dreamed that I would find just 1 GW button...

A GW button was on the top of my “bucket list”. But, being from a small town on the coast of Maine, with only a small amount of colonial settlement, I figured I would never get to see one. But somehow, I managed to find them. I can’t thank Garrett enough for making such an amazing machine like the AT Max. My AT Max gives me the most confidence to go to places where other detectors would struggle. The Max gets the job done in those tough spots and hard to reach areas. This was a perfect example, and without it, I more than likely would have never saved those 2 pieces of history. Thank you Garrett and Long Live the President!

Jacob S. WINS an ACE Apex metal detector. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Next month Vaughan will give away an ACE APEX. You could be the next winner. Submit your story!